Spanish wines have been a source of pride for Spaniards for centuries, and with good reason. From strong reds to light whites, Spain has something for every palate. With so many Spanish wines available, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of seven of the best Spanish wines for you to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a full-bodied red or an aromatic white, you can find it here. Read on to discover the perfect bottle of Spanish wine for any occasion.
Rioja
Rioja is one of the most famous and respected wine regions in Spain. Its wines are typically a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Graciano grapes, and are known for their deep red color, medium to high acidity, and moderate tannins. Rioja wines can be aged for many years, and are often classified according to how long they have been aged: Crianza (1-3 years), Reserva (3-5 years), or Gran Reserva (5+ years).
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is one of the most famous Spanish wine regions, and for good reason. The region is home to some of the country’s best wines, made with a signature Tempranillo grape. Ribera del Duero wines are known for their deep, dark color and rich flavor. If you’re looking for a truly unique Spanish wine experience, Ribera del Duero is the place to start.
Penedes
The Penedès region is located in the heart of Catalonia, about an hour’s drive from Barcelona. The climate here is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters. The landscape is hilly and dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and almond trees.
Penedès has been a wine-producing region for centuries, and is best known for its sparkling wines (cava). But the region also produces excellent red and white wines. Some of the most popular grapes grown in Penedès include Garnacha, Trepat, Macabeo, and Xarel·lo.
If you’re looking for a delicious Spanish wine to enjoy with your next meal, be sure to check out a bottle from Penedès!
Navarra
When it comes to Spanish wine, Navarra is one of the best regions to explore. The wines here are some of the most elegant and well-balanced in all of Spain.
The Navarra region is located just south of Rioja, and is known for its Tempranillo-based wines. However, Navarra also produces excellent white wines from the native Garnacha Blanca grape.
If you’re looking for a red wine that’s not too heavy or tannic, Navarra is a great place to start your exploration of Spanish wines. The region’s wines are often described as being “elegant” and “well-balanced.” And, because Tempranillo is the primary grape used in Navarra reds, you can expect these wines to have classic Spanish flavors like black cherry and earth.
If you’re interested in trying a white wine from Navarra, look for one made with the Garnacha Blanca grape. These whites tend to be very crisp and refreshing, with hints of citrus and stone fruit.
VALENCIA
Valencia is one of Spain’s most renowned wine regions, and for good reason. The climate here is ideal for grape-growing, and the soil is rich in minerals, giving the wines produced here a unique flavor. Valencia’s wines are some of the most versatile in Spain, and can be enjoyed with a variety of different dishes. If you’re looking for a Spanish wine to enjoy with your next meal, be sure to give Valencia a try!
Jumilla
Jumilla is one of the most underrated wine regions in Spain. Located in the southeast of the country, this region is known for its hot and dry climate, which is ideal for growing Mourvèdre, Grenache, and Syrah. The resulting wines are full-bodied and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a Spanish wine that will knock your socks off, look no further than Jumilla.
Rioja
Rioja is one of Spain’s most well-known and respected wine regions. Rioja wines are typically made from the Tempranillo grape, and are often aged in oak barrels for complex flavor. The region is divided into three sub-regions, each with its own unique climate and soil type which leads to different styles of Rioja wine.
The three sub-regions of Rioja are Rioja Alta, Rioja Baja, and Rioaj Alavesa. Rioja Alta is known for producing high quality, age-worthy wines. The climate is cooler here and the wines tend to be more elegant with subtle fruit flavors. Rioja Baja has a warmer climate which leads to riper fruit flavors in the wines. The wines from this region are often approachable young but can also benefit from aging. Rioj Alavesa is the smallest sub-region of Rioja and has the highest elevation. The wines produced here are bright and fresh with lively acidity.
When shopping for a bottle of Rioja, look for the vintage date on the label. The further back the vintage date, the longer the wine has been aged and the more complex it will be in flavor. If you’re looking for a younger, fruitier style of wine, look for a bottle from a recent vintage.
Ribera del Duero
Ribera del Duero is a Spanish wine region located in the country’s north-central plateau. The region is known for its red wines, which are made primarily from the Tempranillo grape. Ribera del Duero wines are full-bodied and age-worthy, with firm tannins and high acidity. They often have flavors of dark fruits, spice, and smoke. The best Ribera del Duero wines are complex and well- structured, with the potential to improve with age.
Cava
Cava is a Spanish sparkling wine that is made in the traditional method. The grapes for Cava are grown in the cool, high-altitude regions of Spain. The most common grape varieties used in Cava are Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo.
Cava has a bright, lively flavor with hints of citrus and stone fruits. It is perfect for any occasion, from a casual get-together to a formal celebration.
Priorat
Priorat is a small, mountainous wine region located in northeastern Spain. The region is home to some of the country’s most prestigious wines, made from native Spanish grape varieties such as Garnacha and Carinena. Priorat wines are typically full-bodied and deeply colored, with high alcohol levels and pronounced tannins. They are often aged in oak barrels for several years before release.
Toro
Spanish wines are some of the best in the world, and Toro is no exception. This red wine is made from the native Tinta de Toro grape, and it hails from the region of Castile and Leon in north-central Spain. The climate in this region is relatively cool and dry, which helps to produce wines with fresh fruit flavors and good acidity. Toro wines are usually medium-bodied and fairly tannic, with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice. If you’re looking for a delicious Spanish red wine to pair with food, Toro is a great option.
Navarra
Navarra is a region located in the north of Spain. The climate here is cooler than other wine regions in Spain, which makes for wines that are fresher and more elegant. The most common type of grape grown in Navarra is the red Garnacha grape, which is used to make fruity and well-balanced wines.
Somontano
Somontano is a Spanish wine region located in the province of Huesca, in the autonomous community of Aragon. The region is named after the Sierra de Montaña, a mountain range that runs through the area. The climate in Somontano is continental, with hot summers and cold winters. The average annual temperature is 14 °C. The soil in Somontano is mostly clay and limestone. There are more than 30 wineries in Somontano, and the most popular grape varieties planted are Garnacha, Tempranillo, Macabeo, and Chardonnay. Some of the best wines from Somontana include Bodegas Pirineos “Crianza”, Bodegas Pujanente “Selección Especial”, Bodega Valdelana “Reserva”, and Bodegas Escorihuela Gascón “Gran Reserva”.
Conclusion
Spanish wines are some of the best in the world and with so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to make a decision. We hope that this article has narrowed down your choices and you’ve had glimpse into why Spanish wines are so special. Whether you want something light-bodied or full-bodied, sweet or dry, there is sure to be something for everyone in our selection of the 7 Best Spanish Wines. Why not try one today?